Vibration feedback system demo...

[geneb]

A couple of weeks ago I started collecting the parts to build a BFF Shaker system for one of my GA cockpits. After ironing out some configuration issues with the FTDI serial interface, I got it working. It's EXCELLENT. I can't wait to get it installed.

Here's a video I shot of the system last night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFiU_Qq5iu4

g.

[iwik]

Gene,
Good stuff Ian produces eh and thanks for the video. It will be interesting to see how the motors stand up to this treatment, but at least they are cheap to replace. You now just need to build his Force feedback yoke.
Les

[geneb]

The yoke isn't on the list. Too many other F-15ish things to do. :)

The motor was only $20, so I consider it to be "consumable". ;)

g.

[Matt Olieman]

That's amazing Gene!!!! I love it!!!

[OmniAtlas]

Gene not related, but are you getting your CastAR soon? :)

[Geremy Britton]

Very good G, perhaps you could produce a tutorial of how you made it for inclusion in the MyCockpit tutorials section? :)

[geneb]

OmniAtlas: Still waiting to hear what the shipping delay is going to be - nobody has heard a peep yet. I pulled the trigger on a DK2, so July could turn out to be a VERY busy month. :)


Geremy: Any how-to stuff I write up usually lives on my own sites, sorry.

g.

[Roland]

Nice setup! I fully agree that the BFF shaker is a great addition to any flightsim setup.

Your motor with crankshaft construction looks pretty sturdy. I had some difficulties in getting rid of the rattle noice due to the joint not being fully tight, which I solved by adding a big cable tie. The final trick is to tune the vibrations in order to be able to distinguish the various vibration cues, so I reduced motor vibs and runway vibs, and increased touch down. The stall vibs also need some tuning but are really cool.
In the end I used a combination of vibs from BFF shaker and audio sound send to different transducers.

Some tutorials including video on my transducer pages.

http://simprojects.nl/bff_shaker_system.htm

[geneb]

Hi Roland! My rig is based upon your design! :) My friend Rob & I thought the cable tie was a visual aid to illustrate how the motor was moving. :D

I think that an O ring or rubber washer should damp out the mechanical noise I have now. I'm using a 1/4-20 bolt & nylon lock nut to bind the static shaft to the motor. I used a cut-down "L" bracket as the lever arm on the motor.

I'm going to install the monster in a cockpit this weekend and I may have some time to do a little tuning of the system.

BTW, your video is a great overview of how the system works. Great job!

g.